Russia is set to open a Consulate General in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, according to a decree signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and published on Tuesday.

The order instructs the Russian Foreign Ministry to determine the consulate’s staffing size and to approve its operational structure.

It will be the second Russian Consulate General in Egypt, along with the one located in another resort city, Hurghada, and the Russian Embassy in Cairo.

In April, Niger confirmed it will host a Russian embassy for the first time in more than three decades. The announcement was made by Nigerien Foreign Minister Bakari Yaou Sangare, who affirmed the country’s readiness to welcome a permanent Russian diplomatic mission.

Earlier this year, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that plans are underway to open embassies in several African nations, including Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. She stated that the necessary government directives had been signed in December and that formal openings were expected soon. 

“Next in line are Niger and Sierra Leone, where we are resuming operations that were unfortunately discontinued in 1992 due to financial reasons,” Zakharova explained.

In March, the Comoros also approved the establishment of a Russian embassy in its capital, Moroni.

Last year, Zakharova announced plans to expand Russia’s diplomatic presence in Africa, citing President Vladimir Putin’s directive to increase Moscow’s diplomatic presence on the continent.

In December 2023, Russia reopened its embassy in Burkina Faso after more than 30 years of closure. That same year, a new embassy was launched in Equatorial Guinea.

According to KP.RU, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry’s press department, Moscow operates 43 diplomatic and consular missions across Africa.